Debunking Dieting Myths – Daily Calorie Intake

The rules on dieting have become so blurred because of the many dieting myths that are floating around causing people to do the wrong things. So, how do you know which ones are real and which ones are not? Things such as your daily calorie intake can affect your weight loss results in the long run.

That makes it all the more important for you to find out which foods are the best for your body. Why waste time and effort when you can do it right the first time? Let’s break down some of those dieting myths one by one.

MYTH #1 – Eating fat makes you fat.

MYTH. Contrary to popular belief, eating fat does not make you fat. You should even consume small amounts of it to help you feel fuller. This pays off because you won’t feel the need to snack or succumb to easy-to-prepare junk foods instead of healthy foods that satisfy your daily calorie intake. People have a difficult time following their diets because they simply don’t have the time and energy to prepare a full meal at the end of a long workday.

When you consume only polyunsaturated fats, you are doing yourself a favor, not committing a sin. Liquid oils like safflower oil and canola oil are just two examples of polyunsaturated fats that can also be used for cooking. These oils do not raise cholesterol levels— that’s largely attributed to being overweight. Watch your daily calorie intake as well, as you need to consume large amounts of the good calories such as fruits and vegetables.

MYTH #2 – Working out on an empty stomach burns more calories.

MYTH. Working out on an empty stomach won’t make you burn any more fat than you would on a full stomach. Yes, you are burning calories, but you aren’t burning the same kind of calories. On an empty stomach, you burn both muscle and fat. That’s a bad thing since muscle also helps in burning calories, while fat does not. Regardless of your required daily calorie intake, working out on a full stomach lets you burn only the fat stores without affecting the muscles.

A good rule of thumb is to always remember to check your daily calorie intake thirty minutes before a workout. If it’s lacking, then have a pre-workout drink or meal such as yogurt or a protein shake. Your daily calorie intake will help you keep track of how much you can eat in a day, so keep an organized log of your meals. Remember: your daily calorie intake is a guide for you to have enough energy to go about your day.

MYTH #3 – It’s harder for women to lose weight than men.

MYTH. Men have just a hard a time as women when it comes to weight loss. In fact, they tend to eat more than women do, so it may be more challenging for them to follow their required daily calorie intake and stay within those limits. Men appear to lose weight faster and quicker than women because they have more muscle mass. Muscle burns more calories than fat, so people with more muscle lose weight more easily.

Women’s hormones are also different from men’s, obviously. So, daily calorie intake, muscle mass and hormones are just some of the things that set men and women apart. Despite these factors, men and women have equal chances of losing weight when on the same diet. Daily calorie intake may vary, but gender has nothing to do with the results of the diet program.

MYTH #4 – A calorie is a calorie no matter what it is.

MYTH. There are different kinds of calories, and none of them were created equally. When satisfying your daily calorie intake, make sure you do it wisely and with the right foods. Calories that you take in do not automatically equal calories from a separate source. The good kind of calories, the type that make you feel full, are the ones that you should be after.

There are also bad calories that stir up your appetite every so often, and keep you eating even if you don’t need that much food. Despite satisfying your daily calorie intake, empty calories trigger toxic hunger and result in excessive eating.

Satisfying Your Daily Calorie Intake – What to Eat?

Unsaturated fats are good for you, and it’s easy for you to feel full after just a small serving because they are built to last you longer than empty calories.

1. Avocados

Avocados are an example of a good kind of fat. They’re full of unsaturated fat that the body will eat up. Expect a single avocado to keep you full for a few hours at least. It can be eaten as a dip, sandwich spread, standalone fruit or even as a salad. Have fun with foods that satisfy your daily calorie intake!

2. Nuts

Nuts are easy to eat and are high in unsaturated fat at the same time. A lot of people choose to have a bowl of mixed nuts on hand in case hunger strikes. Don’t cave in to junk food because it’s convenient! There are much healthier alternatives, such as walnuts and almonds.

Matt Green is a health and fitness expert who trains clients and helps anyone achieve the health and fitness goals they are reaching for. Matt has been into health and wellness for over 13 years. For more information please check out his short bio

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